Mass production of precision LSR parts has never been so efficient

Compact automation

The accessibility and space available in the molding area of ​​this columnless injection molding machine is unique. For multi-cavity moulds, often smaller machines can be used than the size of the mold would normally require. This keeps both investment costs and operating costs low. At the same time, the productivity per unit area increases. Which is a key figure for efficiency in many companies, and especially in clean room production.

The ENGEL easix articulated robot ensures optimum use of the space of the automation and also requires very little free space. It is connected with injection molding machine and vision quality control system and discharge station. The robot adapts if additional process units need to be integrated upstream or downstream of the injection molding process afterwards.

NEXUS designed the 64-cavity mold with a release device; this means that parts can be picked up very easily and quickly by the tool at the end of the easix robot’s arm.

For very precise control of the filling quantity, the cold runners of the mold are equipped with electric needle stop systems. NEXUS Timeshot technology controls the amount of filling based on injection time. Each cavity can be controlled individually, even in very large molds with up to 128 cavities.

More transparency and reliability

NEXUS has specifically developed the ServoMix X20 LSR dosing system, which provides airless dosing of liquid silicone rubber, for use on the smallest footprint. It is networked via OPC UA with the injection molding machine and MES authentication of TIG, an ENGEL Group company. This ensures full process data monitoring and full traceability down to the individual cavity level.

This is the first time that ENGEL has presented the networking of injection molding machine and LSR dosing unit via OPC UA in accordance with Euromap 82.3 live at a trade fair. It shows how networking makes production more transparent and reliable and how work processes are accelerated.

Process data from the dosing unit is available during ongoing production in the CC300 controller of the injection molding machine and can be used for even more precise process monitoring and continuous process optimization. Dosing parameters are stored in the mold part data record. This means that they are immediately available on the machine control when the mold is reinstalled.

ENGEL at K 2022: hall 15, stand C58